Homily Sixth Tuesday of Easter (John 16:5-11) “Leading by Stepping Back” 2020
Homily Sixth Tuesday of Easter (John 16:5-11) “Leading by Stepping Back”
Most human beings find it hard to relinquish control. If we have power in a certain organization, we like to maintain our influence. Whether it is a monarch, a politician, or a Pope it is hard to step back and to say it’s time to pass the torch.
I admire Pope Benedict the XVI because he was able to say, “It is time for me to retire.” The tradition, up until 2013, was that Popes continued their ministry until they died. Before social media, Popes could remain out of the public eye for days on end. Many times, the first the world knew of a Pope’s illness would be the day their death was announced.
Pope Benedict changed all that with his surprise resignation. Have no doubt, it was a surprise. He just said at regular business meeting, “By the way, I will be stepping down in a few weeks.” The difficulty for Benedict is that he must try to keep from interfering with Pope Francis. People are constantly looking to him wondering if he approves of the job his successor is doing. To give up control requires a lot of humility.
During these last days of the Easter season, as we move toward the Feast of the Ascension, we get the feeling that Jesus is telling his Apostles that he was ready to step back from his earthly ministry and turn over control of the church.
Jesus knew that his apostles would not step up and lead until he was gone from their sight. His disciples proved to be up to the task of governance. Surely, they were stretched in ways they never would have imagined. We have a Christian Church today because Paul and Peter and all the rest of the Apostles were such great leaders.
All Apostles did not exercise authority in the same way. At times they made mistakes, but they moved the church forward under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have we ever seen a situation where someone stayed in a position of authority too long and things deteriorated? How do we know when we have been in charge of an organization too long?
2. When we are humble, we do not demean ourselves, no, we are simply realistic about our abilities. Do I have people in my life who will be honest with me about my gifts and honest about my weak points?
Dear Parishioners,
I have just attended a webinar concerning the reopening of our parishes for worship. We have much work to do from obtaining cleaning supplies to training volunteers. As I have written in past correspondence, we are going to have a phased reopening. The first phase will allow for Baptisms, confessions, weddings, and funerals with ten people in attendance. Phase 1A will allow for prayer in church at other times. Only later in phase two will we be allowed to have Mass in church.
We will need volunteers from non-vulnerable populations to move forward. This means people who are younger than 65 and people with no underlying health conditions. Please consider helping if you get a call in the next ten days.
On another note, remember that we are distributing communion in our parking lot a half hour after every Mass. Please park and remain in your car and someone will direct you.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints protect us today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. The date for the ordination of our new coadjutor bishop has been set. Bishop Tilka will be ordained in Peoria on July 23rd. I will share more details when they become available.